The Four Types of Alimony in Michigan

 Posted on November 26,2024 in Divorce

Spousal support can take a few different forms. It is often not permanent, sometimes lasting only until your divorce is finalized. In other situations, it can last for a few years to allow a homemaker spouse time to get back into the workforce. Alimony is normally only ordered on a permanent basis when there is little to no chance that the receiving spouse will ever be able to support herself or himself. You should also know that many spouses will demand alimony at the outset of the divorce regardless of whether or not they qualify for it. This demand is often quickly dropped in negotiations. If you are getting divorced and know that spousal support may be an issue, you need an experienced Oakland County, MI alimony attorney to help you.

Temporary Spousal Support Orders 

Courts sometimes order one party in a divorce to continue supporting the other party on a short-term basis. These orders come with expiration dates. Often, one party will be ordered to provide some financial support for the other only for the duration of the divorce proceedings. This type of order usually just means that the higher-earning spouse will be ordered to keep paying the bills for the family home while the divorce is in process. When the temporary order expires, the payor may no longer have any spousal support obligations, or there may be a new, more permanent alimony order to take its place.

Periodic Alimony is Used When One Spouse Needs Time to Get Back to Work 

Sometimes called "rehabilitative alimony," this type of temporary spousal support order is intended to keep one spouse financially secure while he or she gets the training or education he or she needs to successfully reenter the workforce. It is often used when one spouse was a homemaker or stopped working when a child was born and has been out of the workforce for years.

Permanent Alimony is Used When One Spouse Cannot Self-Support

Permanent alimony is normally only used when one spouse is unlikely to ever be able to successfully rejoin the workforce and support himself or herself. This often applies when the spouses were married for a very long time or are senior citizens. It may also apply if one spouse is disabled or is caring for a disabled child and cannot leave the child to go to work.

Even permanent alimony may be terminated one day. Permanent alimony generally ends if the receiving spouse remarries or moves in with a new romantic partner.

Lump-Sum Alimony is Incredibly Rare 

While legally possible, lump-sum alimony orders are very, very rare. The payor would make one large payment at the time of divorce, often in the form of a higher share of the couple’s retirement plan or existing assets. It is more a way of dividing the marital assets than true alimony.

Contact a Novi, MI Spousal Support Lawyer 

Elkouri Heath, PLC is highly experienced in helping spouses who are dealing with alimony issues during their divorce. Our dedicated Oakland County, MI alimony attorneys will do all we can to ensure your financial security after your divorce. Contact us at 248-344-9700 for a complimentary consultation.